Flood Safety Awareness

Flash flooding is the number one weather-related killer in Texas. More than 50 percent of all flash flood
fatalities nationwide involve vehicles. Saving your life can be as easy as turning your car around when
you see water on the road. Never attempt to drive through flooded roadways – Turn Around Don’t Drown (TADD)!

Remember:

Even in relatively shallow water, tires can act as flotation devices, lifting up big vehicles and
sending them downstream. It takes only two feet of water to float a 3,000-pound car.

Beware that water covering roadways may hide washed-out bridges or gouged-out roadbeds. If you attempt
to drive across, you may not be driving on a road.

In rainy weather, be alert and stay tuned to local radio or TV.

If you are in a low-lying area when flooding is occurring, get to higher ground quickly.
Be sure to avoid canyons and washes that can channel swift water.

Do not attempt to cross-flooded roads or streams on foot. It can take as little as six inches of
water to knock an adult off his or her feet. Furthermore, water may be flowing more rapidly than it appears.

Never allow children to play near ditches and storm drains.

During stormy weather, do not camp or park vehicles along streams or washes.

Night Driving

Flooded roads are especially dangerous at night. Saving your life – and preserving your vehicle –
can be as simple as choosing a different route when you see water across a roadway.

Night driving makes it especially difficult to judge how water depth. Nearly eight of ten vehicle related flood
fatalities in Texas occurred between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Day or night, the best advice always
Turn Around, Don't Drown.

Always Be Prepared

Always be prepared for any severe weather or emergency that may arise. Preparing and maintaining an emergency supply
kit is a simple and effective way to sustain you and your family following a disaster. Developing an emergency plan
for you and your family is another way to protect yourself should a disaster occur.